Amid concerns over LPG supply disruptions, scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) have developed a patent-protected process to produce Dimethyl Ether (DME) from methanol. The technology uses an indigenous, highly active and cost-effective catalyst and is being prepared for scale-up from pilot level to an industrial demonstration plant.
What is DME
Dimethyl Ether is a synthetic fuel that can serve as an alternative cooking fuel. It burns cleaner than conventional fuels and produces very low soot, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter. Its thermal efficiency is also comparable to traditional fuels, making it suitable for domestic energy use.
Technology Developed by CSIR-NCL
- The process converts methanol into DME using a patented indigenous catalyst.
- The technology operates at 10 bar pressure with low operating cost penalty.
- The pilot plant has already been established at a capacity of 250 kg per day.
- The research combines catalyst chemistry with reactor engineering for efficient conversion.
Scale-Up Plan and Industrial Use
CSIR-NCL, along with a processing engineering partner, plans to set up a 2.5 tonne per day demonstration plant within 6 to 9 months. This plant is expected to support future commercial units with capacities of 500 to 100 tonnes per day. The technology is being positioned for partnerships with oil public sector undertakings and bioenergy companies.
Significance for Energy Security
DME can be directly filled into LPG cylinders and used in flexible burner systems that work with 100% LPG, 100% DME, or any blend in between. Domestic DME production from methanol may help reduce dependence on imported LPG and provide a cleaner, homegrown cooking fuel option.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026